Researchers have discovered a genetic link between the heart and brain that causes fainting spells, shedding light on the neural connections between the two organs. The team studied the Bezold-Jarisch reflex (BJR) and the role of the nodose ganglia in the vagus nerves. The researchers found that activating vagal sensory neurons expressing a specific receptor caused mice to faint, demonstrating a direct correlation to the BJR. The findings may lead to targeted treatments for conditions involving fainting. Nearly 40% of people will experience fainting at least once in their lifetime, often accounting for a significant number of visits to hospital emergency rooms.
Unlocking the Genetic Pathway Behind Fainting: The Heart to Brain Connection
